The factors affecting values, attitudes and participation of adolescents in non-smoking campaigns

Abstract

This study is a survey research to study the factors affecting values, attitudes, and participation in non-smoking campaigns among adolescents. The sample group consisted of 400 adolescents aged between 18 and 25 years, who resided in Bangkok metropolitan area. Data were collected by questionnaires. The data obtained were statistically analyzed by SPSS program. T-test, Chi-Square test and One-Way ANOVA were the tools used. The study found that smoking among adolescents is 14.3 percent, with a 13 times higher rate in males than females. The age of starting smoking was in the 14-23 range. In addition, over 50% of adolescents who have people close to them such as family and friends who smoke also smoke. This means that the close friend or relative's smoking is an essential factor in their taking up smoking. While media campaigns and legal controls on cigarette smoking influence attitudes and values toward non-smoking among this target group at the medium level, the most influential media is television. Factors of age, friends and relatives and their smoking behavior, perception, attitudes and values, all affect participation in the campaign at the medium level. The most participated-in activities are exhibitions on tobacco and health, and walking rallies, respectively. The suggestion from this research is that a national agenda and policy regarding the tobacco control campaign is needed, and regulations on cigarette as an addictive drug have to be considered. Tobacco should be controlled and subjugated the same as alcohol, retail outlets, should be controlled smoking-free places in creased and also chemical substances in cigarette should be declared to the public.